TO RUSSIA WITH (LESS) LOVE: Gardner Holds Russia Accountable

Colorado’s Republican U.S. Senator Cory Gardner is joining his Senate colleagues urging the Trump administration to take a tougher stance against Russian aggression. The letter sent to President Trump by Gardner and Republican Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Todd Young (R-IN), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) outlined several areas in which the administration should be tough on Russia, including: Ukraine, Syria, and cyberspace.

“We write to ask you to pursue a results-oriented, but tough-minded and principled policy toward the Russian Federation. Russia’s cooperation is desirable, and in some cases essential, to global initiatives such as nuclear arms control, counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, or promoting global health. We should maintain active and ongoing dialogue with Russia on these and others areas of mutual interests, as every U.S. President has done since the end of the Cold War. However, while we should seek common ground with Russia in the areas of mutual interest, we must never pursue cooperation with Russia at the expense of our fundamental interests of defending our allies and promoting our values.“

Gardner has been a leading voice asking for a tougher stance against Russia’s aggression. He was particularly vocal about investigating any potential Russian interference in our elections.

For Democrats hoping to paint Gardner as nothing more than a Trump toady, his actions demonstrate that Gardner is willing to stand up to his leadership. The truth is that Gardner is a thoughtful legislator and represents Colorado exceptionally well.